Why Are Bed Bugs Attracted to Me?
WouterBed bugs are attracted to humans for a few reasons. For one, humans tend to breathe in carbon dioxide, which is largely concentrated in a sleeping room. This carbon dioxide signals bed bugs where to look for food. Using ceiling fans or installing bed bug CO2 traps can help distribute the carbon dioxide evenly. Secondly, bed bugs are attracted to dark colors, such as black and red, because these colors can be camouflaged.
Bedbugs prefer soft, moist areas that are not protected by thick skin, like your skin. This means that your thick calf skin and heel skin won’t prevent them from getting through. A thick callus on your thumb is safe, but the juicy part of your forearm is vulnerable. Although most people would prefer to have softer skin, the fact that bedbugs can easily penetrate thicker skin makes toughening your skin an impractical solution.
In addition to hiding in your mattress and box spring, bedbugs can live anywhere in your home. During the day, they feed on your carbon dioxide and heat from your body. Bedbugs may also live in cracks and crevices in wall studs and bed frames.
Bedbugs do not like the smell of perfumes and other scented products. They also do not find human waste or food odor appealing. Using scented soaps and room sprays also does not attract bedbugs.
